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The Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding (APCEIU) successfully hosted the "Korea-Japan Teachers' Network Workshop on GCED 2024" from August 10 to 13, 2024. The workshop took place at APCEIU in Seoul and the DMZ Peace-Life Valley in Gangwon State. A total of 29 teachers from Korea and Japan participated, aiming to deepen their understanding of GCED, strengthen mutual exchange, and share plans for implementing GCED in their classrooms. As the fourth annual workshop, this year’s event featured enriching discussions and meaningful exchanges, further strengthening the collaborative network between the two countries.

Expanding Teachers' Understanding of GCED

One of the main objectives of this workshop was to broaden teachers' perspectives on GCED. Participants explored the latest global discussions on GCED, including the "Recommendation on Education for Peace and Human Rights, International Understanding, Cooperation, Fundamental Freedoms, Global Citizenship and Sustainable Development,”(2023 Recommendation) adopted at the 42nd session of the General Conference of UNESCO. This Recommendation emphasizes GCED as a transformative approach to education, prompting in-depth discussions on practical strategies for its implementation. In addition, the workshop provided opportunities for hands-on experiences related to climate change education, as highlighted in the 2023 Recommendation. Teachers engaged in activities utilizing natural energy, deepening their understanding of climate change and its educational significance. 

Given the Korea-Japan context, participants also explored the importance of promoting peace in Northeast Asia through the introduction of the 'Common Curriculum Guide for Peace Education in Northeast Asia’. This guide sparked lively debates among Korean and Japanese teachers on how to apply the curriculum in their respective classrooms. The teachers appreciated the opportunity to expand their knowledge of various GCED topics, particularly those relevant to the international and sub-regional contexts.

Strengthening Teacher Networks through GCED Experiences

Another key focus of the workshop was to strengthen the teachers' network by sharing practical experiences related to GCED. It became clear that teachers’ networks flourish most when centered on practical GCED activities shared between classrooms. The workshop began with a poster session showcasing the teachers' own GCED initiatives, followed by theme-based breakout sessions on topics such as ‘Primary Education,’ ‘Secondary Education,’ and ‘International Exchange.’ Additionally, cultural exchange sessions deepened mutual understanding between the two countries, further solidifying the network and fostering stronger connections.

According to a survey conducted after the workshop, teachers found the greatest value in the opportunity to learn from each other’s practical experiences. They gained valuable insights into how GCED can be immediately applied in their own classrooms and felt motivated to take action, knowing they were supported by like-minded peers. The sense of solidarity among participants played a key role in encouraging their commitment to continue implementing GCED.

Developing and Applying Practical GCED Strategies

The final goal of the workshop was to develop concrete strategies for implementing GCED in classrooms and to share these plans with colleagues. While the four-day workshop has concluded, all participants agreed that it marked only the beginning of their journey toward GCED implementation. Teachers from Korea and Japan reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing collaboration through the network, actively engaging in Teachers' Club Activities aligned with their areas of interest, and planning joint lessons. 

Moreover, participants committed to applying what they learned during the workshop to their own teaching practices and sharing their results through an online platform later in the year. This will allow them to continue advancing GCED and exchanging successful practices. 

Since 2021, APCEIU has been organizing the 'Korea-Japan Teachers' Network' to foster global citizenship among educators in both countries. To date, 77 teachers have collaborated through this network, engaging in joint lesson development and actively participating in Teachers' Club activities focused on six key areas, including Media and Information Literacy (MIL), language, and books. These efforts have fostered meaningful exchanges and strengthened the integration of GCED principles in classrooms across both nations.

Looking ahead, the Korea-Japan Teachers' Network is anticipated to play an increasingly important role, not only in deepening collaboration between Korea and Japan but also in contributing to the broader educational landscape of Northeast Asia. APCEIU remains committed to promoting and expanding GCED from classrooms to sub-regional, regional, and global levels, ensuring its continued impact on advancing global citizenship education.

URL: https://www.unescoapceiu.org/post/5181